The newly widowed Lady Louisa Dembleby is immensely thankful to be released from an awful marriage and vows that she will never marry again. A quiet life of contented freedom with her cherished daughter lies ahead, but her resolution falters when she meets Major Benfield Barkby, recovering from serious wounds sustained fighting in Spain. Against the backdrop of the social season in Bath, gossip, grandmamas and a climatic duel look set to complicate any chance of a happy ever after.